The Patriots kept on steamrolling their competition in Week 11, as the rolled the Bills by a lopsided score of 56-7 Sunday night. Tom Brady continued his career-season with five TD passes – including four to Randy Moss in the first half alone. Terrell Owens also snared four TDs, Chester Taylor filled in for Adrian Peterson with 200 total yards and three TDs and Brandon Jacobs, Donovan McNabb and Ryan Grant are the latest additions to the injury report. Chutes ‘n’ Ladders will take a look around the league at Week 11’s action and discuss some possible free agent options and the major injury news from an exciting weekend of action on the gridiron.
Quarterbacks
Free Agent Possibilities
Vinny Testaverde, CAR 19-for-37, 258 yards, two TD, two INT, 19 yards rushing, FL
Kurt Warner, ARI 16-for-28, 211 yards, two TD
Daunte Culpepper, OAK 23-for-39, 344 yards, TD, INT, FL
Kyle Boller, BAL 22-for-41, 279 yards, TD, two INT, 19 yards rushing, FL
Rex Grossman, CHI 24-for-37, 266 yards, 13 yards rushing, FL
Brodie Croyle, KC 19-for-27, 169 yards, TD, FL
A.J. Feeley, PHI 13-for-19, 116 yards, TD, INT
John Beck, MIA 9-for-22, 109 yards
Byron Leftwich, ATL 15-for-28, 106 yards, two INT, FL
Major Offensive Injuries
Donovan McNabb was forced to leave Sunday’s contest because of a sprained ankle and did not return. An MRI revealed no structural damage so that’s good news. He’ll likely open up on the injury list and could miss some practices – however, expect to see him starting for the Eagles in Week 12.
After a rough outing in Week 11, Byron Leftwich anticipates starting at QB for the Falcons on Thanksgiving vs Indianapolis. He looked atrocious in the loss, but will get another start in the national spotlight. Joey Harrington will back him up and could see some action if Leftwich struggles again. Harrington had won two straight before being pulled … Niners QB Alex Smith will get a second opinion on his injured shoulder and forearm this week. Coach Mike Nolan was optimistic the former No. 1 selection would be able to play again this year, but there remains a lot of doubt. Trent Dilfer will continue to start for the hapless Niners … The Raiders have announced that Daunte Culpepper will start Week 12, but there’s a lot of chatter that No. 1 selection JaMarcus Russell could be the Raiders starting quarterback for the teams final five games. Coach Lane Kiffin denied the report, but don’t be surprised to see Russell in action within the next few weeks.
Running Backs
Free Agent Possibilities
Kenny Watson, CIN nine rushes, 45 yards, eight receptions, 50 yards
Justin Fargas, OAK 22 rushes, 60 yards, three receptions, 29 yards
Kyle Eckel, NE 10 rushes, 40 yards, TD, reception, six yards
Najeh Davenport, PIT eight rushes, 39 yards, four receptions, 22 yards
Heath Evans, NE 10 rushes, 56 yards, two receptions, 10 yards
Anthony Thomas, BUF 11 rushes, 31 yards, three receptions, 15 yards
Rueben Droughns, NYG 11 rushes, 13 yards, three receptions, 26 yards
Major Offensive Injuries
The Seahawks do not anticipate having Shaun Alexander (ankle, wrist, knee) available for Week 12 against St. Louis. He’s sat out the past two contests and there remains a possibility the former leading rusher could be shut down for the season, especially if Maurice Morris continues to produce in his absence. The backup has totaled over 100 yards each of the past two starts and remains a much better option at RB vs the Rams next weekend.
There’s a lot of speculation that the Chiefs are going to shut down RB Larry Johnson (foot) for the season in the near future. He underwent an MRI on his injured foot to see if there was any progress with the cracked bone in his foot, but it looks like Priest Holmes will be the Chiefs primary back once again.
Adrian Peterson (knee) is not expected to return for Week 12, so Chester Taylor – fresh of his 200 total yard, three-TD game – will get another start in the Vikings backfield. All Day is hoping to return to action in Week 13 against Detroit, but that’s yet to be seen. … Fellow rookie Marshawn Lynch (ankle) could miss another contest for the Lions as well. There’s talk that he’s going to be sidelined for multiple games so Anthony Thomas will get another start in the backfield for the Bills. Lynch is still in a walking boot, but if he’s able to return to Buffalo’s practice on Friday, there’s a slim chance he could return.
Packers RB Ryan Grant suffered a mild ankle sprain in Week 11 and coach Mike McCarthy has called him hopeful to play on Thanksgiving vs the Lions. If he’s unable to go on Thursday, expect to see Brandon Jackson in a spot start … Texans coach Gary Kubiak hinted there’s a strong chance Ahman Green (knee) could sit out another week of action. RB Darius Walker and RB Ron Dayne would compete for reps in the backfield if he does sit again … Ricky Williams is back from his league imposed suspension and is eligible to be activated for Week 12 at Pittsburgh. He’ll return to Dolphins practice on Wednesday and is being called questionable for the contest. Jesse Chatman will likely continue to start and see the brunt of action regardless.
Brandon Jacobs (hamstring) left Week 11 and is being called questionable for next weekend’s contest vs Minnesota. With Derrick Ward (ankle, groin) also battling injuries, it’s possible that Reuben Droughns could start vs the Vikings, who currently ranks No. 3 vs the rush. Jacobs will undergo some tests and the Newark Star-Ledger anticipates the big back having to sit out the game …
Wide Receivers
Free Agent Possibilities
D.J. Hackett, SEA nine receptions, 136 yards, TD
Drew Carter, CAR five receptions, 132 yards, TD
Devard Darling, BAL four receptions, 107 yards, TD
Ronald Curry, OAK four receptions, 120 yards
Michael Jenkins, ATL nine receptions, 73 yards
Ted Ginn Jr., MIA four receptions, 52 yards
Arnaz Battle, SF six receptions, 86 yards
Joe Jurevicius, CLE four receptions, 82 yards
Keenan McCardell, WAS five receptions, 76 yards
Reggie Williams, JAC two receptions, 62 yards, TD
Isaac Bruce, STL five receptions, 54 yards
Major Offensive Injuries
The Colts do not expect to have Marvin Harrison (knee) for Thanksgiving’s night game against the Falcons. He’s sat out five of the past six contests and there remains a lot of uncertainty if he’ll be able to return for a big AFC matchup against the Jaguars in Week 13. Look for Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark to be looked at early and often – Aaron Morehead or Anthony Gonzalez will start at wideout in Marvin’s place.
Laveranues Coles sustained a high ankle sprain in Sunday’s upset win over the Steelers and is being called questionable for Thursday’s holiday matchup with the Cowboys. Thanks to a concussion and a bye week as well, he’s only played about a quarter of action in the past month. Brad Smith will replace Coles and should see decent looks with Kellen Clemens behind center … Steve Smith (shin) was a late scratch for the Panthers this week and reportedly has some blood clotting in his bruised left shin. He could miss some more practice time this week, but should be able to return for Week 13. However, the superstar has just 94 receiving yards the past five weeks … After grabbing five catches for 76 yards, Santonio Holmes left Sunday’s game with an ankle injury. His status has yet to be updated for Week 12 so continue to monitor his health
Tight Ends
Free Agent Possibilities
Alex Smith, TB three receptions, 51 yards, TD
Chris Baker, four receptions, 34 yards, TD
Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN two receptions, 94 yards
Quinn Sypniewski, BAL six receptions, 53 yards
Greg Olsen, CHI seven receptions, 43 yards
Owen Daniels, HOU five receptions, 74 yards, FL
George Wrighster, JAC five receptions 47 yards
L.J. Smith, PHI four receptions, 44 yards
Major Offensive Injuries
Bubba Franks (knee) is likely going to miss the contest in Week 12. Donald Lee, who caught two TDs last week, will see the entire action on Thursday against the Lions.
Week 12 Schedule
Thursday, Nov. 22
12:30pm ET Green Bay @ Detroit
4:15pm ET New York Jets @ Dallas
8:15pm ET Indianapolis @ Atlanta
Sunday, Nov. 25 1:00pm ET
New Orleans @ Carolina
Buffalo @ Jacksonville
Oakland @ Kansas City
Seattle @ St. Louis
Tennessee @ Cincinnati
Washington @ Tampa Bay
Minnesota @ New York Giants
Houston @ Cleveland
Sunday, Nov. 25 4:05pm ET
San Francisco @ Arizona
Sunday, Nov. 25 4:15pm ET
Baltimore @ San Diego
Denver @ Chicago
Sunday Nov. 25 8:15pm ET
Philadelphia @ New England
Monday, Nov. 26 8:30pm ET
Miami @ Pittsburgh